Release: Scotch Plains Officers Recognized for Police Week

Again this year, communities across the United States joined together during National Police Week—May 9-15—to honor and remember those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends and fellow officers they left behind.

This year, the names of 324 officers killed in the line of duty are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington DC. These 324 officers include 116 officers who were killed during 2009, plus 208 officers who died in previous years but whose stories of sacrifice had been lost to history until now.

"The 116 officers killed in the line of duty last year was the lowest number of officer deaths in five decades," said Scotch Plains Police Chief Brian Mahoney. "Still, for the families, loved ones, colleagues and communities of these fallen heroes, the loss is devastating and the sorrow is profound. National Police Week is a time for all Americans to send a strong message that the service and sacrifice of these heroes were not in vain—that these brave men and women will always be remembered by a grateful nation." 

During a special ceremony to commemorate this event, Chief Mahoney awarded a number of medals to department personnel for meritorious service and exceptional duty. Most notably Off. Joseph Citarella was recognized for physically subduing an individual armed with a large hunting knife who had threatened the officer.

Lts. Brian Donnelly and Joseph Zito, along with Off. Matthew Mahoney, were also recognized for their efforts to save a man trapped under a vehicle. Realizing time was of the essence, the officers lifted the vehicle without waiting for rescue equipment to free the individual in a driving rainstorm. Off. Mahoney also received a medal for his actions on routine patrol for alerting and evacuating sleeping residents of a home that was engulfed in flames.

Several other officers received certificates of commendation for their outstanding performance.

"It is an honor to serve with such a dedicated group of individuals that make up our department," Chief Mahoney said. "The efforts of all our officers go a long way at keeping the residents of this community safe an secure."

On May 20, the police department hosted DARE day for local students at the Union County John H. Stamler Police Academy.